Shake Shake Garlic Cucumbers (Print View)

Quick cucumber salad with garlic, soy, sesame oil, and chili for a crunchy, flavorful side.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

→ Dressing

03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
05 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

09 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
10 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place the sliced cucumbers and minced garlic into a large, sealable jar or container.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili flakes, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
03 - Pour the dressing over the cucumbers in the jar.
04 - Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds, ensuring the cucumbers are evenly coated.
05 - Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately or chill before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's embarrassingly easy—literally just shake a jar and you're done.
  • The texture stays crispy even as the flavors deepen, which is the whole point.
  • It pairs with almost anything and makes you look like you know what you're doing.
02 -
  • Don't skip the mincing step for the garlic—whole cloves or chunks won't distribute evenly and you'll bite into sharp, overwhelming pieces.
  • The dressing will taste quite bold and salty on its own, but it mellows once it hits the cucumbers; trust the process and don't undersalt.
03 -
  • If you prefer extra crunch, use smaller cucumbers like Persian or mini varieties—they have fewer seeds and denser flesh.
  • Toasted sesame oil can be expensive, but a little goes a long way, and it's worth having in your pantry for quick sides like this.
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